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I have been having fun exploring the 1940 Tax Photos. You may know that they were only recently made available for free viewing and downloading from the site. Prior to Nov 1 of this year, they were only available to view on microfilm at the Chambers Street archives or online purchase for $40+/- each. Although I have had success finding family residences in Morisanna (Elton Ave) and in other boroughs, I was not as lucky with the family residences in Spuyten Duyvil. Searching has been a challenge as most of my family lived in the area between 1867-1920 and many of the residences were no longer standing in 1940 and/or the streets changed. The main address was 5189 Broadway (or 5189 West 225th) and it’s not in the collection. In 1914, one family member, who was a fireman, lived at 151 West 231st Street, near to the photo you posted above from 189 West 231st. There are a few other 100 West block photos as well, which are fascinating to see.
Fascinating first account. I love the part of the old gentleman who lit the gas lights. Does Lehman College have the complete run of the Riverdale News and if so, is it in a searchable form? It looks like it ran from 1915 – 1942. I don’t see it online at Old Fulton NY Postcards, Genealogy Bank or Newspapers.com.
Thomas, that could prove valuable – thanks for the tip. I actually live in Chicago, so not close by. I’ll have to try to plan a visit, perhaps over the summer.
Wow Thomas – thank you for taking the time and sharing the maps and links. I find them fascinating and they help feed the imagination of what life in the area was like at the time. I appreciate now knowing about the NYPL Digital Collections. It’s also great to see the location of the school in 1868. To me it’s part of the broader immigration story in which immigrants like Hugh found steady work in America which allowed their children, first generation American, to attend public schools. By the second generation, my grandfather and siblings who came out of school post-WWI, they found jobs and careers as teachers, accountants and nurses after school, including the women.
One question – you reference a trip to the real estate office will help. What might I find there? Will they have resources to find addresses from the turn of the last century?
Thanks again for your replies, Dan
